Top 10 Household Poisons Every Pet Owner Should Know About
While our homes are full of things we use every day, some common items can be dangerous - even deadly - for curious cats and dogs. Knowing what to watch for and how to prevent exposure can save your furry friend’s life.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, or seizures.
💡 There are some very handy chocolate toxicity calculators online, like this one from MSD Veterinary Manual, for any chocolate mishaps you might have. But, we always recommend giving us a call regardless, because things can vary drastically depending on the circumstances.
2. Grapes and Raisins
These seemingly harmless fruits can actually cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite and even seizures. Make no mistake, grapes and raisins are a huge no-no, at any dose.
3. Onions and Garlic
Both raw and cooked onions and garlic can damage red blood cells, leading to Heinz body hemalytic anaemia in both dogs and cats. Symptoms may appear several days after ingestion. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that odorless aged garlic extract may be less toxic than traditional raw or cooked, and may even be healthy for some dogs in small doses, but further study is necessary. Other Allium spp such as leek and chives are also toxic, and best to avoid entirely.
4. Xylitol
Found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Look out for unusual vomiting or lethargy (or better yet, keep Xylitol goods well away from areas your pet can reach).
Currently, the severity of Xylitol toxicity is unknown in cats, but best to avoid for good measure.
5. Human Medications
Painkillers, antidepressants, and cold medicines can be extremely toxic. For instance, Ibuprofen can cause anaemia, stomach ulcers, seizures, kidney failure, and death. Minoxidil, a human hair-loss treatment, is also extremely toxic, and can cause heart failure and an untimely death also. Never give human medication to your pet without consulting a vet.
6. Household Cleaners
This one may be a no-brainer, but many cleaners contain chemicals that can burn skin or damage organs if ingested. Keep them securely stored and supervise pets during cleaning. We have seen countless pets who have chewed on bottles and accidentally ingest household poisons, so ingestion may not be as farfetched as you think.
7. Rodenticides and Pesticides
Rat and mouse poisons, snail bait, as well as some garden sprays, are highly toxic, and a common cause for pet emergency visits. Where you can, do not even dabble in using toxic rodenticides and pesticides around your home - because it’s truly not worth it, and there are many safe alternatives available that will still get the job done.
8. Alcohol
Even small amounts of beer, wine, or spirits can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, and central nervous system depression in pets. While we might love a wine with friends, your furry friends need to sit this one out.
9. Plants
Some common household and garden plants, including lilies, azaleas, cycads, and oleander, are toxic, and can be fatal. If a cat were to so much as rub against lilies (any part of the plant), then clean their coat, this could cause severe kidney failure. Always research plants before bringing them home.
10. Essential Oils
This is a big one for the Northern Rivers, and little talked about. Many essential oils can cause liver damage or breathing issues if ingested or applied directly to pets. Use with caution and always store safely.
Tea tree oil can be highly toxic to cats and dogs. Even just a few drops of 100% tea tree oil have been reported to cause poisoning. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, as little as 10–20 milliliters has been fatal for both dogs and cats. We have seen pets completely paralysed from tea tree baths, a good reminder that ‘natural’ definitely does not always mean non-toxic.
This is a great article byPet MD that runs you through essential oil do’s and don’ts.
📊 Did you know? Nearly 50% of pet poisonings occur from items commonly found in the home. Being aware and taking preventive measures can dramatically reduce the risk.
Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe
Store harmful foods, medicines, and chemicals out of reach
Educate all family members and guests about pet safety
Supervise pets during walks and garden time
Keep the number of your local vet and the Pet Poison Helpline 1300 869 738 handy
Do a quick survey of the plants in your house and garden, to make sure they are pet safe
At Lennox Head Vet Clinic, we’re here to help keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy. We hope this info can help keep your pet out of hospital, and enjoying a healthy, happy life. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact us immediately. We’re here to help.